There are noises in Italy’s press that after Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party’s very poor showing in recent regional elections – Mr Berlusconi’s party was beaten by the Lega Nord – Silvio Berlusconi is considering ending his Nazarenzo pact with Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.
Whether this will actually happen remains to be seen but if Mr Berlusconi does drop his support for Mr Renzi, Italy will find that its already slow reform process will grind to a halt. This, as you might imagine, won’t be good news for Italy. Indeed, it could be the straw which breaks the camel’s back. Chaos will ensue and it could bring the Renzi government tumbling down. Without Mr Berlusconi’s support, the Renzi led government won’t be able to push legislation through Italy’s senate.
More headaches for Italy’s aging President Napolitano who’s apparently dreaming of retirement. Seems he may not be able to bounce his grandchildren on his knee just yet.
Then again, Mr Berlusconi could merely be making noises in order to force Mr Renzi to do his bidding. We’ll see. But if it happens and Mr Berlusconi does drop his support for Mr Renzi, Italy may end up with general elections in early 2015.
Stephen says
If I were Renzi I’d bring on an election if that’s possible constitutionally under the existing system. If Renzi is on the roll he seems to be on after the European and regionals he would probably clean up a majority in his own right.
Otherwise do what he needs to for it to be constitutional with whoever he needs to do it with – he’d probably win under any system, then change it again later. Have the referendum on bringing the Senate back to 100 and advisory only at the same time.
Honestly, it’s Renzi or the plughole.
Alex Roe says
It’s a difficult one, Steve. An election could create more trouble than it’s worth if the results are inconclusive and that, I think, is the fear, even if the 5 Star Movement “threat” no longer seems to exist. There’s also the problem of the time it would take to set an election up – and that would further delay reforms even if it looks as if it might happen anyway.
That’s plughole is becoming mighty close, even if aurelio would surely disagree. Italy is in a pickle.
Alex Roe says
If B does drop R, seems R may well be forced to call elections whether he likes it or not.